Antique Japanese Book "Mastery Of Poetry" Complete Set, Ikeda Kansei, 7th Ed. c. 1880 (Now In Showroom)

Genre

Educational

Format

Hardback

Title

詩韻精英 [Shi'in Sei'ei]

⚠️ Due to security concerns, we currently only ship items. However, if you're in the NJ-PA-NY area, come visit our booth at Days of Olde Antiques & Collectibles in Galloway, NJ! This rare antique book, 詩韻精英 (Japanese: Shi'in Sei'ei; Chinese: Shī yùn jīng yīng), is a crucial reference guide for students and scholars of Classical Chinese literature known as kanbun (漢文). Published in Japan in 1880, (for context: just five years before the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor), this set of 6 books divides Chinese characters into categories based on traditional tonal systems: the upper level tone (平聲), lower level tone (仄聲), rising tone (上聲), departing tone (去聲), and entering tone (入聲). These categories are essential for composing Classical Chinese poetry with the correct rhyme, rhythm, and tone, making this book indispensable for mastering the musicality of Classical Chinese verse. Since around the 5th century AD, Japan adopted the Chinese script, but due to the differences between the two languages' grammar (each language belongs to its own family), the Japanese developed "kanbun", a system for reading Chinese text with Japanese grammar. This book was a critical tool for students of that era who were learning to navigate these complexities. Printed on traditional mulberry paper using ink on copper plate, the book reflects the craftsmanship of 19th-century Japan. Mulberry paper, known for its durability, has helped preserve this valuable artifact over the years. Title: 詩韻精英 (Shi'in Sei'ei) Editor: 池田觀輯 (Ikeda Kansei) Published: 1880, Japan All paper-based artifacts, including this one, are handled with care, stored in a climate-controlled environment, and handled and shipped with sterile gloves. This is a rare chance to own a piece of literary history that bridges Chinese and Japanese classical traditions and would make an excellent investment piece to your antique book collection.

Special Attributes

Vintage hardback